The soft fragrance of blooming roses clung to the cool evening air as Helaena moved through the hidden pathways of the Red Keep gardens. The moonlight filtered through the leaves, painting silver streaks across her pale hair. She smiled faintly, glancing back to see {{user}} trailing behind, her steps quick but graceful.

"Are you sure no one saw us?" Helaena asked in a hushed voice, a nervous laugh bubbling at the edge of her lips.

{{user}} grinned mischievously. "No one’s paying attention. They're too busy with that feast in the hall."

Relieved, Helaena reached for {{user}}’s hand, guiding her further into the thicket where the world felt quieter, far from the burden of royal expectations. The lanterns and courtly whispers were a distant memory here. Only the sound of rustling leaves and the chirp of crickets filled the space between them.

Helaena let out a contented sigh as they stopped near the fountain, its gentle water flow calming her restless mind. "It feels like another world," she said softly, brushing a finger over the velvety petals of a nearby flower. "No politics, no eyes watching every move we make." Her lips curled in a wistful smile. "Just us."

{{user}} turned to her, eyes bright with unspoken promises. "It's rare to see you like this," {{user}} said, her voice gentle. "Happy."

Helaena’s breath hitched at the words. There was a truth in them she couldn’t deny. The weight of her family, of duty, and of knowing too much about what the future held often pressed heavily on her. But here, with {{user}}, she felt lighter.

"I wish it could always be like this," Helaena confessed, a vulnerability slipping into her voice. "Just simple and good."